Funds help Vehicle Extrication Team attend World Rescue Challenge 2014

Donations will help send the team, comprised of six on-call firefighters from the Nisku Fire District, to World Rescue Challenge 2014 in Moreton-in-Marsh, United Kingdom from Oct. 9 to 12.

“We’d like to thank all motorists who dug into their pockets to donate funds,” says Rob Csolle, on-call firefighter. “This generosity pushes us one step closer to taking top spot at this prestigious competition.”

Leduc County’s team will represent Canada at the international competition, where it will compete against roughly 30 other teams from around the world. Teams are required to compete in three different challenges where they will be tasked with rescuing patients from various scenarios.

Team members participate in up-to-two nights per week of training on extrication-specific exercises, in addition to the required weekly training for all on-call firefighters with Leduc County Fire Services.

“We look forward to showcasing our skills to the world and to the residents of Leduc County,” says Dave Sharratt, on-call firefighter. “Every hour of training we participate in strengthens our skills and, ultimately, makes us better rescuers when we respond to emergency calls throughout Leduc County.”

Leduc County is covering the cost of the team’s registration fee, but the on-call firefighters are required to cover the remainder of their expenses, including airfare, accommodations and meals.

Donations are still being accepted. If you’d like to donate, please contact on-call firefighter Dave Sharratt at 780-910-0627 or call Leduc County Fire Services at 780-955-7099.